The Minnesota Vikings will be in the market for a capable veteran insurance policy for J.J. McCarthy. Sam Darnold served as just that, signing a one-year, $10 million contract last March. The bridge deal paid dividends for both sides.

The Professional Football Writers of America have named Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold the NFL's Most Improved Player of the Year.

Minnesota was intrigued with Darnold after he spent time learning from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, one of the league’s best offensive minds. Kevin O’Connell built on that, helping get Darnold selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.